Royston school releases photos of storm damage

Part of the school roof was ripped off in Storm Henk

A school has released pictures of the damage caused by Storm Henk, which forced it to partially close.

Pupils from years 7-10 at King James Academy in Royston, Hertfordshire have been receiving remote education since the start of term.

Part of the roof was ripped off, leading to "significant flooding" across the main teaching building.

Headteacher Lisa Plowman shared the images so parents could see what challenges the school is facing.

The school, which is leased from Hertfordshire County council, is the largest in Royston with nearly 1,000 pupils.

On 2 January, Storm Henk caused damage to the roof on two buildings and also affected "many areas of cladding".

The school's cladding was also badly damaged

The school said Year 11 pupils were able to attend school for face to face teaching, "albeit with very restricted freedom".

The junior school for Years 5-6 is open, but Ms Plowman said work to the roof for the year 5 area had been temporarily paused as it needed further reinforcement.

She said: "It is fortunate that we were able to re-room all of Year 5 in advance of the start of term and their safety is not compromised".

The school was looking for ways to educate pupils in person, including bringing temporary classrooms onto its site.

An empty local school was being considered but it would need work, Ms Plowman added.

Many of the rooms in the teaching block were flooded

The MP for North East Herts Oliver Heald said the roof which was ripped off was paid for thanks to a successful government funding bid in 2013.

He said the school also put in new cladding and windows at the same time, "which should have lasted 25 years".

A bid for a new school building was submitted to the Department for Education 18 months ago, but Ms Plowman said this was "rejected and not deemed necessary for the Royston community".

Mr Heald said he was not told the school was making that bid.

"I have always supported bids and unfortunately on this occasion I don't think I was told they were making that bid, which is a pity."